FZJ80 and Tacoma. Evaluating the choice

[Scott Brady]

Alvin,

Your 80 is awesome! Clean and simple.

Have you seen the DVD yet? You have major coverage... I was actually surprised Issac didnt show the rocker panel kiss.

 

[MaddBaggins]

I've watched the DVD about 5 times now! There are quite a few clips throughout of me :Wow1: And one quick quote at the end. The opening sequence shows how I kissed the rocker but it flashes pretty quick. I put the DVD on my computer and stepped it real slow and I could see the damage being done. Awesome video, Thanks to Isaac!
And thanks Scott, I'm glad you like my LC. I'm trying to make it my own, not the typical ARB, Slee, Hanna. Absolutley nothing against any of the aforementioned, they all make AWESOME product. I just wanna do stuff myself and have my 80 look different than all the others.(and save $$)

 

[dmc]

10 days? How about 4 months? It definitely boils down to personal preference. One advantage of the xcab vs. dcab is the weight difference. The additional cab space and associated sheetmetal, doors, glass, trimmings, etc. add almost 700 lbs. of weight that could otherwise be used for mods and payload. (this kind of comparison kind of applies to any kind of wagon/SUV bodied vehicle).

I will admit that my packing skill leave a lot to be desired. But I would contend that 4 months and 2 weeks are not too different in regards to what I would keep in the cab. Cameras, laptop, clothes, sleeping bag. The things I wanted protected from the elements. Of course my sub, cd changer and 500 cds took up considerable space as well. I have that part licked with the set up in the 80. Access to the ext cab was the biggest hinderance. I could get everything I needed packed in there and organized. It was just a pain to get to when neccessary.
dmc

 

[Scott Brady]

When I think about it, my decision to purchase the Tacoma came down to two factors at the end of the day:

1. Packing and fitment options: With the long truck, I had so many packing and configuration options. I am so thankful of how everything turned out. I have a fridge and costly/climate controlled items in the cab area and the tent and sealed storage in the bed. AND nothing over the roof line. I can still drift her around the corners without fear... :smilies27

2. Looks/attachment: Now I am not saying an 80 isn't a thing of beauty, so hear me out... I lived in Italy for six months, and worked with the UN servicing the Adriatic Theater. The vehicle that I drove nearly EVERY day was a naturally aspirated diesel Hi-Lux, 4-door, short bed. They were white, and solid axle, and the things of expedition dreams. I wanted one of those trucks for over 10 years, and then I could buy one (sort of like it), so I did.

That's my story... :ylsmoke:

 

[kevin]

I think that the thing I like the most about the 80's is the complete lack of modification necessary to make a great expedition vehicle. Great wheel base, coil sprung straight axles, factory lockers, boxed frame, four wheel disc brakes. I would feel confident to literaly drive from the show room floor to anywhere in the world. Some people say that they cost to much. Although expensive they retain very high resale values. Also as anyone who has built a off road vehicle knows, a cheaper initial investment plus modification can easily exceed the cost of an 80.

 

[BajaTaco]

Also as anyone who has built a off road vehicle knows, a cheaper initial investment plus modification can easily exceed the cost of an 80.

What did they go for in '97?

 

[dmc]

I can still drift her around the corners without fear... :smilies27

You need to do my ABS mod. I tapped into the e-locker ECU to add a switch that would manually disable the ABS. I'm sure any Toyota driver knows about the hypersensitive ABS system they like to employ. The CDL on the 80 will disable it and on my Taco it might be the best mod I did. Made drifting and cornering much more enjoyable and controlled.
dmc

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

The 100 is a good choice for expedition type wheeling (otherwise known as... camping :shakin: )

It is supremely comfy, lots of room, mods readily available.
The attraction of the 80, for me, is the SFA and nice aftermarket support.
The ironclad durability is also a huge factor.

I've always liked the 80 when I was a kid. When I saw the redesign (uzj100) I didn't like it. I didn't even realize it was bigger at first, just that it looked less appealing.
Now, I like both alot. The 100 is so nice, more comfy for the US travels.

The Taco is probably the best IFS wheeling rig around right now. Nice size, plenty of aftermarket, bulletproof & practical. Short on legroom and luxury (both maybe non-issues for most). A pickup bed- you can't beat the flexibility and practicality.

For camping in the USA tho, I'll take the FZJ80! SFA, rugged and it's totally vintage. It's old school cool w/ modern looks. You can build it up to a seriously fierce wheeling rig all the while in leather lined comfort. It's a good midsize suv. Not bad.

In 1996, the 80's went for around $50,000

 

[Scott Brady]

You need to do my ABS mod. I tapped into the e-locker ECU to add a switch that would manually disable the ABS. I'm sure any Toyota driver knows about the hypersensitive ABS system they like to employ. The CDL on the 80 will disable it and on my Taco it might be the best mod I did. Made drifting and cornering much more enjoyable and controlled.
dmc

I have considered doing that. The ABS on the Tacoma's is deadly at high speeds on dirt IMO. I ran the whole NVTR with the rear locked to dissable it. Of course, having the rear locked also makes oversteer more progressive (i.e. easier) too...

 

[Desertdude]

Great thread! Many great points posted all ready - just wanted to chime in

The 04 Tacoma is the second one I bought new ( had an 00 before) and the first modified - I have enjoyed all it has to offer. I'll keep it for the next few years before I let it go. I like it's sporty " Pony - I am gone" look. The truck is like a goat just point it and go - Low CG has helped in many places - and you can fly down the road at 100 if you like ( and I do):Wow1:

I just got my hands on an 80 and have only driven it a few times - as far as it feeling bigger in the drivers seat - I dunno I am a big dude and I still feel a little short on leg room. It does feel more ergonomic, like a glove fit - The Tacoma seat slides back a tad more ( I think) The 80 seats are yes much more comfy. Once I get an upgraded suspension installed I will be able to comment more - I have wheeled along side 80's and we all seem to get to the same place in the end - I am guessing more comfortable in an 80 -

The sticker price on this one 1997 was 52,000.00 My 04 Tacoma 27,000.00 out the door + add 10-15K for mods - When it is all said and done I will have 50K in the 04 Tacoma - The 80 estimated total 32K+ finished - I have about 32K in my FJ40 and it is not finished yet

Looks scary when you write it all out :Wow1:

 

[dmc]

The sticker price on this one 1997 was 52,000.00 My 04 Tacoma 27,000.00 out the door + add 10-15K for mods - When it is all said and done I will have 50K in the 04 Tacoma - The 80 estimated total 32K+ finished - I have about 32K in my FJ40 and it is not finished yet

Looks scary when you write it all out :Wow1:

That is why I avoid keeping receipts and totals at all costs. If I knew how much I've spent on my FJ40 and now my 80 (not including gas) it would make me sick and I'd be less willing to keep doing it. I made the mistake of adding up money spent on golf a few summers ago (over $3k) and decided I'll never price my hobbies ever again. :luxhello: Much more enjoyable to not know.
dmc

 

[BajaTaco]

Also as anyone who has built a off road vehicle knows, a cheaper initial investment plus modification can easily exceed the cost of an 80.

What did they go for in '97?

In 1996, the 80's went for around $50,000

The sticker price on this one 1997 was 52,000.00

I bought my '98 Xcab TRD Taco for 23,700 OTD in the fall of 1997. Although I definitely agree with Kevin in the first part of his post, about taking the stock 80 anywhere in the world, I would have to disagree a bit on the cost comparo. Even if one was to add 20K in mods to the Tacoma, it would still be less than the stock 80 (and drivetrain aside, better equipped).

I am not disputing the value of either vehicle standing alone in stock form. As a new OEM stock vehicle yes, the 80 would be more costly to produce, and therefore have a higher worth (size, cost of materials, and performance). But as a customized vehicle, no. It's just that I don't think (back when they were new) that you can really justify the additional cost of the 80 over the Tacoma where the end result of a custom outfitted vehicle is concerned. By spending far less than the cost of a stock 80, you would end up with a Tacoma that would be highly customized and could evenly match (if not exceed) the stock 80 in capability. Would you agree?

 

[Desertdude]

I am on the road with the 80 right now coming down from Yosemite and Tioga pass - the one thing I do notice about the 80 is the truning radius - it is much tighter than the Tacoma's long wheel base radius - that is a big plus... Gas so far seems to be about the same

 

[BajaTaco]

I am on the road with the 80 right now coming down from Yosemite and Tioga pass...

Don't you find it hard to type?

...the one thing I do notice about the 80 is the truning radius - it is much tighter than the Tacoma's long wheel base radius - that is a big plus... Gas so far seems to be about the same

The same? Wow, I don't know if that is good or bad. I got the worse mileage I have ever had when I went up to that area on the way to the Nevada Trophy. It was terrible.

 

[Desertdude]

Don't you find it hard to type?

:hehe: